An overlooked clash on Canadian land just before Confederation might not resonate widely with Canadians beyond Fort Erie, Ontario, but it holds significance in Canadian history. The 1866 Battle of Ridgeway, also known as Limestone Ridge, marked the first time Canadian troops, under Canadian leadership, engaged in combat. It also served as the inspiration for Decoration Day, a precursor to Remembrance Day observed in certain regions annually. Despite this, the names of the nine individuals who perished in the battle are absent from the Books of Remembrance, a compilation on Parliament Hill commemorating fallen soldiers.
A fresh petition, to be presented in the House of Commons, aims to include these nine individuals and the numerous others who lost their lives following the battle in the official list. Conservative MP Fred Davies, who is championing the petition in Parliament, emphasized the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Canada.
The battle saw inexperienced volunteers confront Fenian raiders, predominantly American Civil War veterans, as the Fenian Brotherhood sought Irish independence from British rule through incursions into British North America. In a swift mobilization, around 800 Canadian volunteers from various regiments faced off against hundreds of raiders at Limestone Ridge near Ridgeway and Fort Erie.
Historian Peter Vronsky, author of “Ridgeway: The American Fenian Invasion And The 1866 Battle That Made Canada,” lauded the rapid response of Canadians but noted their lack of readiness for what he deemed Canada’s first modern battle. Despite facing challenges like inadequate supplies and ammunition shortages, the Canadian forces engaged the invaders, leading to a tumultuous retreat after a Fenian charge.
While the battle resulted in a defeat on the battlefield, it halted the Fenian campaign and pushed them back across the Niagara River to the United States. Davies stressed that the battlefield outcome does not diminish the bravery of those who fought to protect Canada from invasion, underscoring the importance of recognizing their sacrifice.
A memorial commemorating the nine fallen soldiers was erected in 2016 on the battle’s 150th anniversary. Efforts by Fort Erie to have their names added to the Books of Remembrance have so far been unsuccessful, prompting calls for acknowledgment of their role in shaping Canada’s history.
Although predating the official formation of Canada, the battle’s impact on Confederation is acknowledged. Various groups that participated in the 1866 battle, such as the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, continue to exist today, embodying the legacy of Canada’s modern armed forces.
Alexander Muir, known for composing “The Maple Leaf Forever,” fought in the Battle of Ridgeway and drew inspiration from the maple leaf, a symbol of Canadian identity. Vronsky highlighted the shift towards Canadians defending their own communities, emphasizing allegiance to the maple leaf over British colonial ties during the battle.